Former president Jacob Zuma’s court case has been postponed to 8 June. Zuma made his first appearance in Durban High Court this morning, facing 16 charges related to 783 counts of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
As expected, the case was postponed in order for Zuma’s legal team to put together its review application. Judge Themba Sishi released the accused with a warning to appear in court again on 8 June.
Zuma arrived at Durban High Court 45 minutes early for his first appearance, to a large crowd of supporters.
Former President Jacob Zuma has arrived at court and is now inside Courtroom A. #ZumaCharges @eNCA pic.twitter.com/h0Y7ZG9GxX
— Annika Larsen (@AnnikaLarsen1) April 6, 2018
Once in the dock, Zuma waved and gestured his thanks to supporters seated in the court room.
#ZumaCharges [WATCH] Zuma entering the court room here at the Durban High Court with those here in support of him saying “Zuma, Zuma Zuma.” He’s sitting next to his co-accused Christine Guerrier who is representing the Thales legal department in Paris. ZN pic.twitter.com/YKLSiDsQmO
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 6, 2018
Supporters packed out the streets surrounding the court, with some even sleeping on the street overnight after last night’s prayer vigil.
Two groups of Zuma supporters have arrived to join in. #HandsOffZuma #ZumaCharges @HuffPostSA pic.twitter.com/vafScE2oZi
— Pontsho Mabena (@PontshoMab) April 6, 2018
Members of the clergy turned out to pray over Zuma before he entered the court building.
Clergy arriving to meet Former President Zuma and pray for him ahead of his court appearance. #ZumaCharges @eNCA pic.twitter.com/z3IhDIla12
— Annika Larsen (@AnnikaLarsen1) April 6, 2018
This band played their own version of Zuma’s signature song, umshini wami.
Lots of fanfare as pro-Jacob Zuma supporters make their way to court in support of the former president. #ZumaCharges pic.twitter.com/dDy2TkW2Zm
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) April 6, 2018
Picture: Twitter @J_chabalala